The Once-ler

The Once-ler is a conflicted entrepreneur and antagonist in 'Dr. Seuss' The Lorax'. He is the greedy creator of the Thneed, a once upon a time multi-purpose plant, which led to the devastation of the Truffula Forest and the loss of habitat for the Lorax and the Brown Bar-ba-loots. The Once-ler is initially depicted as overly ambitious and selfish, prioritizing his fortunes over the health of the environment. His isolation on top of his tower, surrounded by the desolation of his own doing, highlights a late-in-life realization of the consequences of his actions. Despite his mistakes, he gains a measure of redemption by entrusting the last Truffula seed to the curious boy, suggesting hope for change and the rebirth of nature.